Page 23 of The Butler and the Bluestocking
“Indeed,” responded Bess. “I swore him to secrecy and was fool enough to believe he would keep his word.”
“If he is indeed responsible for this breach, I regret that he did not keep his word. However, I don’t believe that is sufficient reason to decline the invitation.”
“But I don’t know the Nedhelms.”
“I do not believe that to be a problem? You don’t go out enough to meet anyone. If Nedhelm learned of your presence in town, your connection with Mr. Thomas Young, and your expertise in Egyptology, I suspect he would be very interested in meeting you, regardless of who might have told him of you.”
“But....”
Patience raised a hand. “Clearly, I cannot insist you accept the invitation. However, I strongly encourage you to do so. It will do you good to get out and converse for a while with like minds. But you are an adult and more than capable of deciding for yourself.”
Bess sat back in her chair. “You make a great deal of sense, Patience. But what could I possibly wear, and how am I to get to the Nedhelm’s residence and then home again?”
“I know just the dress. The green one you are planning to wear at the ball. Remember?”
“You don’t think that dress is a bit too much for a small dinner party?”
“Not at all. Susana can remove some of the ornamentation in plenty of time for your evening out. If we don’t remove too much, adding it back for the ball will take no time at all. As for transportation, we can spare the price of a hackney, if need be, but I think I will write to the Earl of Strathnaver, who very much wants to do us a favor for being so understanding about his brother. Even if the earl does not send his personal coach, I’m certain he would be happy to provide for your transportation to this event.”
“If we ask him, Professor Marr is sure to attend. He may even decide I need his escort.”
Patience sipped, then cast Bess a sidewise glance. “Would that be so terrible?”
“I’ve no wish to see the man.”
“If he is in attendance, you need be nothing more than cordial to him.”
“I’d rather not.”
“I see.” Patience sipped again. “You would prefer avoiding one man to making new acquaintances in your chosen field who could well ease your way into the scholarly arena.”
“When you put it that way, it does sound petty.”
Patience smiled. “I’ve always known you to be an intelligent woman. Do not let one unpleasant incident rule your life and ruin your chances.”
How much does Patience know about my first Season?I’ve never confided to anyone about the fears I acquired during those events. Perhaps, I’ve been allowing those fears to ruin other opportunities that might have come my way. Still, the idea of all those eyes on me, judging me. I’m not certain I could do that again. But dinner is not a ballroom crush, or even a crowded concert hall.
“Very well.” Bess put her teacup down on the tray with a decisive thump. “Give me a moment to clear away my work, and we can both return to the sewing room where we can look at that dress and decide what alterations may be best.”
As for The Honorable. Malcolm Marr, Patience is correct, I will treat him with cool cordiality, should I chance to encounter him.
Still, she could not restrain a wistful sigh. She’d never met another person who understood Egyptology or her passion for it so well. Conversation with the man was even easier than with Patience. Bess had always longed for a confidant who shared her interests and understood her feelings. And then there was his kiss.He’s the only man I ever wanted to kiss more than once.
